Another successful award ceremony for the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2025 was hosted by the Greek Language Examination Centre of the School of International Studies at Macquarie University.
This celebration, held at the Arts Precinct of Macquarie University, coincided with World Greek Language Day 2026, making the event even more special.
Among the attendees were the successful candidates and their families, school principals, Greek language teachers, Heads of Languages in NSW schools, representatives of community organisations, and Greek community media.
Distinguished guests included His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios; George Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Paraskevi Tsintzou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Dr Julie Lim, Lecturer, School of International Studies and Education, University of Technology Sydney, and Advisory Board Member, Multicultural New South Wales, representing the Hon. Stephen Kamper, Minister for Multiculturalism; Dr Wes Robertson, Chair of the Discipline of Global Cultures & Languages, Senior Lecturer, School of International Studies, Macquarie University; Penny Pachos, Principal of St. Euphemia College; Theo Panagiotou, Academic Leader Culture and Language PK-12, All Saints Grammar School; Vana Alexandropoulou, Curriculum Leader – Modern Greek/Classical Greek, St Spyridon College; Michael Christodoulou, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools; Konnie Zagrimannis, Educational Leader in the NSW Department of Education and Leader and Convenor of Pharos Alliance NSW; Ms Mariella Mantzoros, President of the Macquarie University Greek Students Association (MUGA); representatives from the Greek Australian Society; and members of the PHAROS Alliance NSW.
The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the ceremony via a written message, stating: “The Greek language is an integral part of global cultural heritage. Through learning it, younger generations and friends of Greece around the world gain access to Greek history, philosophy, literature and the universal values that shaped Western civilisation and continue to inspire globally.”
“The Certificate of Attainment in Greek represents substantial recognition of your effort, perseverance and love for the Greek language. Congratulations are due to all of you who have achieved this significant distinction. Through your success, you strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding between people. The Greek State will continue to provide tangible support for the learning and promotion of the Greek language internationally,” Mitsotakis added.
The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety NSW, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Ioannis Loverdos and the President of the Centre for Greek Language in Greece, Emeritus Professor of the Philology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Papaggelis, delivered brief speeches via video and warmly congratulated the successful candidates, their teachers and their families.
The Hon. Ms Cotsis emphasised in her video message: “Well done on your hard work in completing the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language, an internationally recognised qualification you should be extremely proud of. This is a testament to your hard work! I want to also congratulate Macquarie University and the School of International Studies for being the largest Greek language examination centre in the Southern Hemisphere.”
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Senior Lecturer in Global Cultures & Languages in the School of International Studies and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate, warmly congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged their achievement, which made their teachers, schools and families proud.
Dr Koromvokis also acknowledged the Greek Australian Society, which through its partnership with Macquarie University and its generous financial support, plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening the work of the Greek Language Examination Centre.
MC for the event was Eugenia Hatch, a fifth-year student at Macquarie University studying a double degree in International Studies and Law.
The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is a globally recognised qualification that proves the level of proficiency of its holder and is considered a prerequisite for the practice of various professions in Greece.
Registrations for the Exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek 2026, conducted under the auspices of Macquarie University, are now taking place. For more information click here.
*All photos by Vasilis Vasilas
